ITV viewers were left saying the same thing minutes into the new series of Van der Valk, a reboot of the 1970s drama.

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Van der Valk has returned with more cases to solve (Image: ITV)

ITV viewers have hailed the return of a detective drama that some have called “better than the original”.

Detective drama Van der Valk, featuring Marc Warren and Maimie McCoy, made its comeback on Sunday, 2 August, launching its fourth series.

Van der Valk first appeared on ITV in 2020, drawing from Nicolas Freeling’s crime thriller novels, and succeeding the original programme which broadcast between 1972 and 1992.

It sees Marc star as detective Piet Van der Valk, tackling numerous murder investigations in and around Amsterdam, reports the Mirror.

ITV previously teased the new series, saying: “The return of Van Der Valk sees the Dutch detective and his team solving three more homicides in the city.

“In the first episode the death of a whistleblower under police protection prior to a court hearing means Van Der Valk and his team are called in to make sure the second witness makes it to court.

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Van der Valk has returned with a new series(Image: ITV)

“The situation is complicated by the fact that the protection officer in charge of the first victim is Kalie Tenkers, a former flame of Piet’s.

“Fair to say there is no love lost between the two, especially when he suggests she might have been involved in the killing…”

Viewers welcomed back the drama’s return, with one saying: “A long wait for this detective series return but welcome back to cast and crew. Enjoyable new episode with plenty of twists.”

Another added: “Great episode of #VanDerValk welcome back.”

One person said: “It’s good to have a two hour detective drama back on a Sunday night. They’re so rare now and much missed.”

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Marc Warren stars as Van der Valk(Image: ITV)

Viewers have also previously hailed the series as “better than the original”, which starred Barry Foster.

“The remake. I love Marc in the role,” one person said, as another wrote: “Difficult to choose. An originally successful tv show is always remembered a favourite. I loved Barry and Marc is a good challenger.”

“I’ve seen both, but honestly prefer Marc,” another said.

Speaking about filming the new series in Amsterdam, Marc shared in a press pack: “I love being in Europe and I love working in Europe. I just love the feel of Amsterdam and I’m very happy there. I’ve also been fortunate enough to work in Prague a few times.

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Viewers praised the detective drama’s return(Image: ITV)

“I still don’t speak any Dutch although I do speak a little bit of Czech. I tried to learn some Dutch but it’s very difficult. Although I have learned to say “sneller en beter”. It means “quicker and better”, which is something they say sometimes if they want another take.

He added: “Well, I never go out, so I am incredibly boring. My Amsterdam is always the same. I walk the same routes; I eat in the same places. I just go to this little soup shop. I’m a real creature of habit.

“I’ve not used my bike this year because I like walking around. And what do I like most about it? I suppose the canals. I lived on the canal this season as well. I was based in the Jordaan, which is towards the west. As long as you know the canals you don’t get lost although you might have to walk a long way round.”

Van der Valk is available to watch on ITVX.